Dry FliesAusable Cripple
The Ausable Cripple is a classic mayfly emerger pattern originally developed for the Ausable River in the Adirondacks. Its distinctive rusty orange body and fluorescent fire orange thread create a visible, attractive profile that imitates crippled or emerging mayflies. The mixed brown and grizzly hackle with grey EP wing makes this a versatile hatch matcher.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Ausable Cripple is one of the most productive emerger patterns for matching mayflies during emergence. The pattern can be tied with brown and grizzly hackle for a classic look, or with Cree or barred ginger hackle for a mottled appearance. The fluorescent fire orange thread creates a subtle hot spot at the head that can trigger strikes from hesitant fish.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100 or Umpqua U001, #12-16
Thread: Danville, 6/0, fluorescent fire orange
Tail: Cow Elk, natural early season
Body: Possum Dubbing, rusty orange
Wing: EP Sculpt-A-Fly Fibers, grey
Hackle: Brown and grizzly dry fly hackle, mixed (or Cree/Barred Ginger)
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from late April through July during major mayfly hatches. Particularly productive during March Brown, Hendrickson, and Pale Morning Dun emergences.
Presentation
Dead drift in the surface film, positioning the fly in foam lines and seams where crippled insects collect. The pattern should ride with the elk hair tail in the film and wing upright.
When to Use
Best when fish are rising but refusing standard dry flies. Excellent during heavy emergences when many mayflies fail to escape their shucks and become easy targets.
Water Type
Ideal for pools, runs, and slower water where emergers accumulate. Originally designed for the Ausable River but effective on any stream with healthy mayfly populations.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-12 foot leader with 5X-6X tippet. The pattern floats well but may need periodic drying during extended use. Apply floatant to hackle and wing only.
Visibility & Floatation
The grey EP wing provides excellent visibility for the angler. Floats with the body in the film and wing above the surface, creating an ideal emerger profile.
